Brooke’s other relatives have explained that eventually her condition deteriorated so severely that she could no longer recognize family members. In addition to inducing his mother to amend her will several times, Mr. Marshall gave himself a $1 million retroactive raise for managing his mother’s estate.

Additionally, Mr. Morrissey was found guilty of fraud and conspiracy and of forging Mrs. Astor’s signature on an amendment to her will. The jury found that Morrissey and Marshall had taken advantage of Mrs. Astor’s failing mental health to gain control over her fortune. In 2009, both men were sentenced to one to three years in prison; Marshall served only 2 months due to his failing health. In November of 2014, Anthony Marshall passed away at home.

Brooke Astor could have prevented the legal mess that ensued after she succumbed to Alzheimer’s disease by giving power of attorney to a more trustworthy person. For many years she had a strained relationship with her son Anthony; an individual who resented her well into his adult years. Yet for some reason, she gave him power of attorney.